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In this article, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager at Portakabin, looks at how a highly complex ward and theatre facility was constructed in less than four months to help meet the increasing demand for orthopaedic services.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust had an urgent requirement for a highly complex, 4,200sqm interim ward and theatre building to facilitate the transfer of orthopaedic services to another hospital.

The purpose-designed scheme would occupy a constrained site immediately adjacent to the main building at Royal Stoke University Hospital and would be in use for the next five years.

The building’s structure comprises 124 steel-framed modules, each weighing up to 9 tonnes and up to 14m long. These were installed in only 18 days, which included weekend working, to further minimise disruption to patient care.

During the cranage phase, Portakabin managed and maintained access for 200 students to the adjacent Keele University Medical School and co-ordinated operations with West Midlands Air Ambulance for inbound emergency patients. Access for emergency vehicles across the site to the Infectious Diseases Unit was also provided throughout the project.

The Trust’s theatre managementteam had very specific requirements for the building design to achieve outstanding infection control and to improve the flow of patients to maximise capacity and frequency of operations. These criteria were met and despite a number of design changes, the building was delivered on programme.

Commenting on the project, John Simpson, Director of Corporate Services at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust said, “We had an extremely tight timescale to deliver a complex healthcare building for the relocation of clinical services – but I am delighted to report that this was achieved.”

“Modular construction allowed us to benefit from a much shorter delivery programme so we could have the new facility up and running much more quickly. This enabled us to meet the increasing demand for services and enhance patients’ experience.”

“The facilities have been very well received by patients and staff. There is excellent light, space, décor and infection control. Portakabin successfully installed the building next to the main hospital with minimal impact on service provision. This required detailed logistical planning and the whole installation operation was carried out with military precision by a superb siteteam. The final design is extremely good and Portakabin was flexible and accommodating throughout.”

Looking at the clinical aspects, Jeanette Carter, Royal Stoke Ward Manager said, “The overall design and layout of the building are fantastic and the interior is very welcoming. We have a lot more space, particularly around beds, to facilitate patient contact and to accommodate any equipment we need. Everything fits into the ward space really well and there is better storage.”

“The wards are airy and the design features – such as integral blinds for the windows – make infection control much easier. We also have more side rooms available which help to reduce waiting times. There has been a lot of positive feedback from staff and patients since we moved into the new building.”

The hiring of modular accommodation for short-term use is a fast, flexible and cost-effective way for healthcare providers to expand or relocate services, particularly on constrained hospital sites and can be funded from revenue rather than capitalbudget streams. The approach also gives NHS trusts greater flexibility as the facilities can be dismantled and removed as local needs change.

Modular solutions can be used to provide interim ward accommodation, recovery suites, dialysis units, diagnostic facilities, out-patient departments and treatment centres – and should be constructed to the latest healthcare best practicedesignstandards.